FHM - Fetal Heart Monitoring (AWHONN)

Fetal heart rate monitoring uses technology to assess and record the fetal heart rate and rhythm. It helps nurses evaluate a baby's well-being in real-time and aids providers in the early detection and intervention of problems that may threaten the mother or fetus. The Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) offers three fetal heart monitoring courses, including:

• Introduction to Fetal Heart Monitoring

• Intermediate Fetal Heart Monitoring

• Advanced Fetal Heart Monitoring

AWHONN's fetal heart monitoring courses are intended for nurses and other medical professionals wanting to learn how to assess fetal heart rates and make appropriate clinical decisions based on findings. Taking an AWHONN course helps nurses improve their skills and provide them with the knowledge to provide better patient care.

Introduction to Fetal Heart Monitoring

AWHONN's Introduction to Fetal Heart Monitoring course is an online program that provides a comprehensive introduction to fetal heart monitoring. The course covers topics such as:

• How oxygen and nutrients pass from mother to fetus

• How to locate and auscultate the fetal heart rate

• How to interpret electronic fetal heart rate tracings

• Principles of documentation and communication

• Risk management

Eligibility

The Introduction to Fetal Heart Monitoring course is for new perinatal clinicians. There aren’t any eligibility requirements.

Completion Time: This is a self-paced course that offers 2.8 CNE/CME contact hours credit

Cost: $70

Exam

The Introduction to Fetal Heart Monitoring course includes an online post-test. However, students don’t need to pass the post-test to earn CE hours.

Intermediate Fetal Heart Monitoring Course

AWHONN's Intermediate Fetal Heart Monitoring has online prerequisite education followed by a one-day, in-person instructor-led course that covers fetal heart monitoring principles. The program includes lectures and hands-on skill stations to assess competency in:

• Leopold maneuvers

• Fetal spiral electrode placement

• Intrauterine pressure catheter placement

• Fetal monitoring interpretation

• Nursing interventions

• Communication

• Risk management

Eligibility

The Intermediate Fetal Heart Monitoring course is for experienced nurses and other healthcare professionals who have completed education on the essential use of fetal monitoring devices. This course also includes prerequisite education that students must complete online before the class.

Completion Time: This course offers 11.25 CNE/CME contact hours credits

Cost: $135

Exam

The Intermediate Fetal Heart Monitoring course includes an online knowledge test required to earn CE hours.

Advanced Fetal Heart Monitoring Course

AWHONN's Advanced Fetal Heart Monitoring is an in-person course that builds on the principles of the Intermediate Fetal Monitoring Course. This course utilizes case studies to discuss advanced concepts related to:

• Maternal-fetal physiology of oxygenation

• Interpretation of fetal monitor heart rate tracings

• Choosing appropriate interventions

• Risk management in perinatal case

Eligibility

The Advanced Fetal Heart Monitoring course is only for clinicians who meet one of the following requirements:

• Have completed the Intermediate Fetal Heart Monitoring course

• Have completed a fetal monitoring course similar to the AWHONN intermediate course

• Have earned other credentials or certifications in fetal heart monitoring

Completion Time: This course offers 7 CNE/CME contact hours credits, with 0.75 hours of pharmacology credits available

Cost: $110

Exam

The Advanced Fetal Heart Monitoring Course has an optional test to validate the learner's knowledge, but passing the test isn’t required for CE credit.

AWHONN's fetal heart monitoring courses don’t lead to certification and don’t require renewal.

Additional resources that may be helpful for nurses interested in AWHONN courses include:

• Fetal Heart Monitoring program brochure

• Fetal Heart Monitoring Principles and Practices 6th Edition (Cost: $76.95)

• Fetal Heart Rate Auscultation 4th Edition (Cost: $39.95)

After completing the AWHONN Fetal Heart Monitoring course, nurses may want to consider pursuing the RNC-OB - Registered Nurse Certified in Inpatient Obstetrics certification. The RNC-OB validates a nurse's knowledge and skills in caring for pregnant women and their babies. The CE hours earned in the AWHONN Fetal Heart Monitoring course can help prepare nurses for this exam.

Other related certifications include:

• Electronic Fetal Monitoring (C-EFM) Certification

• Registered Nurse Certified in Maternal Newborn Nursing (RNC-MNN)

• Registered Nurse, Certified Inpatient Antepartum Nursing (RNC-IAP)